From the thrum of basslines in the park to the quiet flicker of candlelight in our Cathedral, 2025 has been a year of profound connection and celebration. Whether you were here for the high-octane sports or the poignant history, the city’s calendar was packed with "I was there" moments.
Global Stars at the Coventry Building Society Arena
The Coventry Building Society Arena cemented its status as one of the UK’s best entertainment hubs this year.
- We saw the legendary Bob Dylan grace the stage for a rare and intimate performance, while Ed Sheeran stunned fans by dropping into local music colleges before his arena set.
A Historic Sporting First: Kabaddi World Cup 2025
In March, Coventry became a global focus for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. The Kabaddi World Cup arrived at the CBS Arena, bringing 16 nations together. The atmosphere was electric, mixing high-intensity physical competition with a vibrant cultural celebration that resonated through our diverse communities. It was a proud moment for Coventry to lead the way in bringing this ancient sport to a massive UK audience.
Indie Cinema Rising: Coventry Phoenix Film Festival
In April, the "creative quarter" came alive for the 4th annual Coventry Phoenix Film Festival. Since its launch during the City of Culture year, CPFF has grown into a vital platform for emerging talent.
- Attendees enjoyed a curated selection of international short films, documentaries, and animations at Fargo Village.
- But the festival isn't just for fans, it’s also a hub for pros. With previous speakers like Nativity! director Debbie Isitt and producer Jonathan Cavendish, the CPFF industry panels offer a rare chance to hear from the people who actually shape the British film industry.
Godiva Festival 2025: The Ultimate Party in the Park
This July, the War Memorial Park was transformed into a sea of music and colour.
- With headliners like Marc Almond, Clean Bandit, and Ocean Colour Scene, the Main Stage was a non-stop hit parade.
Celebrating Heritage
While the full MotoFest "takeover" of the Ring Road took a breather this year, a weekend of special events took place:
- A crowd-favourite parade of emergency vehicles from around the globe provided a spectacular sight (and sound!) in Millennium Place, right outside the Transport Museum.
- Broadgate and the Cathedral Ruins were filled with classic vehicles, specifically celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar XJ-S.
British Motor Museum
As the home of the world's largest collection of historic British cars, the British Motor Museum was a hive of activity in 2025. This year focused on the "Golden Era" of British motoring with some of its biggest turnouts to date.
- 70 Years of BMC Competitions: A tribute to the Abingdon Works featuring 100 iconic rally cars took place in July, including Mini Coopers and Austin-Healeys.
- MGF 30th Anniversary: Hundreds of MG fans from across Europe gathered in July to celebrate three decades of the beloved roadster with live music and guest talks.
- Gaydon Land Rover Show: This flagship site showcased Land Rover’s evolution, from the historic "HUE 166" to the famous "film star" Defenders from Skyfall.
The 85th Anniversary of the Coventry Blitz
November 2025 marked a deeply significant milestone, the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz.
- A moving community project saw a 20-metre-high cardboard reimagining of the Cathedral rise in Broadgate, symbolising how the city rebuilt itself from the ashes.
- On 14th November, the city paused for a silent vigil in the Cathedral Ruins at 6.55pm, the exact moment the sirens sounded 85 years ago - honouring Coventry’s legacy as a Global City of Peace and Reconciliation.
80 Years of Peace: VE Day & VJ Day
2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Coventry played a leading role in the national "Legacy of Liberation" commemorations.
- In May, the New Cathedral hosted a spectacular concert featuring the D-Day Darlings. It was a night of vintage glamour and heartfelt tribute, raising funds for the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.
- The Coventry Transport Museum and The Herbert Art Gallery held special "Drop-in Days" throughout the summer, where visitors could step back into 1945 and hear the personal stories of the Coventrians who celebrated the first peace after years of conflict.
Festival of Christmas
Coventry closed the year with the Festival of Christmas. The city centre, currently home to the iconic Big Wheel. Allowing visitors to take a flight 100ft above the city, offering the perfect vantage point to see just how much Coventry has grown and glowed throughout 2025.
1Milestone Anniversaries: Decades of Success
2025 was a year for honouring the local businesses that continue to shape Coventry. From brewing and hospitality to world-class sports and education, we celebrated the foundations of our city’s vibrant culture:
- Coombe Abbey Hotel (30 Years): It has been three decades since this breathtaking former Cistercian monastery was transformed into one of the UK’s most unique hotels.
- Coventry Building Society Arena (20 Years): Our premier destination for world-class music and sport marked 20 years at the heart of the city’s entertainment scene.
- Ramada Hotel & Suites (20 Years): A landmark of the Coventry skyline, the Ramada celebrated two decades of luxury hospitality this year. Since opening its doors, the hotel has become a cornerstone for business and leisure travellers alike, offering iconic views of the city from its signature glass-fronted exterior.
- Dhillon’s Brewery (10 Years): A decade of craft beer excellence! The award-winning brewery celebrated 10 years of bringing unique flavors and a great atmosphere to the city.
The University of Warwick: 60 Years of Innovation
Reaching its Diamond Jubilee, the University of Warwick and Warwick Conferences celebrated six decades of global academic excellence. As a powerhouse for regional growth and innovation, the university spent 2025 opening its doors wider than ever.
- From public lectures to community festivals on campus, the university celebrated six decades of being a world-class institution right on our doorstep.
- For the first time, the university opened its Grade II listed "Maths Houses" to the public, showcasing the pioneering 1960s architecture that helped define the modern face of Coventry.
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum: "Stories That Made Us"
Adding to the year’s cultural wealth, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum recently launched its landmark exhibition, "Stories That Made Us." This immersive showcase dives deep into the soul of Coventry, weaving together personal narratives, rare artifacts, and histories from the people who have shaped the city over the last century.
A City Built on Heritage
As 2025 draws to a close, these anniversaries remind us that Coventry isn't just a place on a map; it's a living story of resilience, innovation, and community.
Looking Ahead: A Sneak Peek at 2026
If you thought 2025 was a year to remember, the momentum isn't slowing down. Coventry’s 2026 calendar is already filling up.
Mark your diaries for these 2026 highlights:
- Take That (June 2026): The legendary trio brings their "Circus Live" tour to the Coventry Building Society Arena for a massive three-night residency. Also coming to the Arena in 2026 – Tom Genan.
- European Youth Touch Championships (13–16 August 2026): In a historic first for the West Midlands, the University of Warwick will host this prestigious international tournament. Welcoming over 3,000 players and supporters from across Europe.
- British Art Show 10 (September 2026): Coventry has been chosen to launch this landmark touring exhibition - the most prestigious contemporary art event in the UK.
- UK Corporate Games (August 2026): Thousands of athletes will descend on the city as the UK's largest multi-sport festival for businesses returns to the University of Warwick.
- Farmfest (June 2026): Huge for the West Midlands, the acclaimed independent festival is heading to Coventry! This isn’t just a music festival; it’s a celebration of the countryside featuring some of the UK’s most beloved TV personalities, including Jeremy Clarkson, Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper, and Charlie Ireland. The 2026 musical lineup is already spectacular, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor and electronic duo Groove Armada confirmed to headline.
- 2026 highlights at Coventry Cathedral include The Music of Prince, The Music of Bond, and high-energy tributes to Queen and ABBA. These intimate performances turn Coventry’s most iconic landmark into a breathtaking space for all to enjoy.